Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
An exclusive NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll released Tuesday found an overwhelming majority of voters believe current members of Congress are out of touch with their constituents’ spending habits. — Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026 Cuellar attributed his success to knowing how to relate to his constituents. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Its constituent parts including Sister Pictures have turned a profit in the past but this year is the first time the overall Sister Group hasn’t been in the red. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 July 2026 Metreweli attended Westminster School in London and then studied social anthropology at Pembroke College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. — Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • The finance chiefs ended the meeting without a joint communique, underscoring persistent divisions among members over the Middle East conflict, trade imbalances, and Russia's war with Ukraine.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Krantz said the suspect, a male city resident who has not yet been publicly identified, was spotted entering the school by a community member, who eventually pursued him into the school and shot him.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Believe it or not, the Cubivan Camping System wasn't the only multi-component camper pod system at this year's Caravan Salon built to slide out and camp outside the van itself.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • What began as a few purists chasing a vibe became an ingredient an entire industry pays extra for.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Spring & Mulberry chocolate is notoriously good for gifting—the packaging is beautiful, and the brand uses the best of ingredients from direct-trade single-origin cacao and organic dates.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Any eligibility restriction might seem unfair when applied to individual athletes.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But each individual hat will be situated in a nonrepeating pattern that continues to change no matter how large the overall tiling is.
    — Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In Blue Level and Desert Moon (both 1955), with their solid areas of blues and reds, respectively, Krasner constructed a vertical world that stood straight and sturdy, raw elements reaching beyond the painting’s top and bottom edges.
    — John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The situation is similar to plumbing fixtures located within a unit, which are a unit owner’s responsibility even though the building’s common element plumbing system brings water to all units.
    — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Measles usually kills two or three people in every 1,000 cases, the WHO says, but the disease can be more deadly in poorer nations because of factors such as malnutrition.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This year, those existing factors coincide with what is predicted to become the strongest El Niño event in recorded history.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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